WHA Side Event on Skin Diseases as a World Global Priority
20 May 2025
We are delighted to share the news that the WHA Side Event on Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority will take place during the 78th World Health Assembly on Tuesday 20 May 2025 from 18:00 to 20:00 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Join us for a critical discussion on the ground-breaking proposed WHA Resolution, “Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority.”
Traditionally overlooked due to their non-fatal nature, skin diseases impact over 2 billion people worldwide, significantly affecting quality of life and economic productivity. This resolution, lead by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by Colombia, China, Egypt, Micronesia, Nigeria, and Togo, marks a transformative shift in global health policy—advocating for an integrated, patient-centered response to skin health.
This event will explore how the proposed resolution:
✔ Recognizes the broad impact of skin diseases—beyond their medical symptoms, they impose substantial social, psychological, and financial burdens. The resolution promotes holistic care that addresses stigma, mental health, and patient well-being.
✔ Strengthens primary healthcare systems—by urging Member States to integrate skin care into routine healthcare services, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and invest in healthcare workforce training.
✔ Mobilizes resources and innovation—calling on governments, donors, and civil society to fund sustainable solutions, including digital diagnostics and teledermatology to reach underserved communities.
✔ Ensures sustained global action—encouraging ongoing dialogue, national action plans, and regular updates at the World Health Assembly to adapt to emerging challenges, including climate-related skin health concerns.
Date: 20 May 2025
Time: 18:00 to 20:00
Location: Geneva Switzerland